Former Deputy Minister of Economy Nikoloz Alavidze says that restarting the electric vehicle plant project in Kutaisi requires more than “PR steps.” He welcomes the launch of a new market study but warns that the limited budget and the project’s previous failure raise serious questions.
Alavidze recalled the original 2019 attempt, saying the project was economically unviable at the time. He noted that while the state fulfilled its obligations by transferring a large land plot in Kutaisi, the private partner failed to meet its commitments.
According to him, before launching a new phase, it is essential to objectively assess what happened in the past. This includes analyzing why the project failed, what the current status of the memorandum obligations is for both sides, and whether the new feasibility study accurately reflects the realities of a highly competitive and technologically advanced global EV market.
Alavidze also stressed that although involving an international consulting group like BDO is positive, it is not enough on its own. He said the sector is now far more competitive and technologically complex than seven years ago, and warned that “PR steps alone are not sufficient” to ensure the project’s success.
